Linebacker Justin Durant set to visit Dallas Cowboys as Detroit Lions appear set to move on

Michigan Live | Mar 25

The Detroit Lions have re-signed a number of their own free agents this offseason, and general manager Martin Mayhew recently said there are still others the team would like to bring back, but it's looking less likely linebacker Justin Durant will be included in that group.

The early market for Durant's services has been quiet, but is starting to pick up. He's scheduled to visit the Cowboys on Monday as Dallas prepares to switch to a 4-3 defense next season.

In an interview with NFL Radio before the opening of free agency, Durant reported his agent had been in contact with the Lions and the talks were going well. But less than a week later, the team re-signed its other free agent outside linebacker, DeAndre Levy, to a three-year contract.

At the NFL owners meeting last week, Mayhew was specifically asked if re-signing Durant was a possibility.

"I really don't know how it's going to play out," Mayhew said. "I know we've got some young guys we drafted at that position. We kind of want to see those guys. I would never say never."

In addition to 2012 draft choices Tahir Whitehead and Travis Lewis, the Lions signed reserve Ashlee Palmer to a two-year extension shortly after the regular season. He started two games in place of Levy in 2012, and has made nine starts in four seasons for Detroit.